THE festive season gets underway in Calne this weekend as the town gears up for tomorrow’s Winter Festival.

A whole day of seasonal events has been planned, culminating in the Christmas lights being switched on and a fireworks display.

The lights will be switched on at around 5.15pm by the town mayor and the winners of November’s Guy Fawkes competition, St Dunstan primary school pupils Darryl Lowe and Chloe-Mai Liddle.

Town Clerk Linda Roberts said: “We are really excited about the Winter Festival – it’s a day and evening not to be missed, a magical experience that only Calne can deliver.

“The event keeps growing and growing and is turning into one of Calne’s highlights.

“It only grows bigger and better each year because of the dedication of the town councillors, council officers and the wonderful support we have from Calne’s wonderful community.”

Father Christmas will have his grotto open in the council chambers between 10am to 1pm and 5.30pm to 7pm on Saturday.

At Calne Leisure Centre Bjorn, a life-size adult polar bear animated pod puppet, will be completing free 20-minute shows at Calne Leisure Centre from noon, 1pm and 2pm.

The bear will be accompanied by his Inuit-dressed keeper, who will be taking a role as an intermediary between Bjorn and the audience in an inflatable ice environment.

At 4.30pm, the evening’s events will get underway at Bremhill View Social Club with reindeers Snowflake and Blitzen leading the annual Lantern Parade.

The parade will travel down Lickhill Road, North Street, Curzon Street and down the A4 to the Christmas tree, donated by Lord Lansdowne, outside the Town Hall.

Throughout the town centre, and in the town hall, there will be gift and craft stalls and carol singing, while Jennings Fun Fair will be providing fun and thrills for the children in the Sainsbury’s lower car park on the day.